Vancouver Info if needed

[sweetem]

Hello,

 

we're thinking renting a car and drive to Whistler.

 

start at 10am from airport and leave at 6pm at whistler.

 

is it possible ?

 

how long is the drive (from experience) ?

 

Our ship leave the next day.

 

thank you !!!

[scottbee]

Hello,

 

we're thinking renting a car and drive to Whistler.

 

start at 10am from airport and leave at 6pm at whistler.

 

is it possible ?

 

how long is the drive (from experience) ?

 

Our ship leave the next day.

 

thank you !!!

 

From airport to Whistler, probably right around 2 hours assuming traffic through downtown Vancouver isn't too bad.

[martincath]

Hello,

 

we're thinking renting a car and drive to Whistler.

 

start at 10am from airport and leave at 6pm at whistler.

 

is it possible ?

 

how long is the drive (from experience) ?

 

Our ship leave the next day.

 

thank you !!!

Possible - yes. First time we drove (i.e. not familiar with the road) it took us just under 2 hours from downtown - so assuming you obey speed limits but do drive at them you can probably expect to be taking approx. 2&1/2 hours from the airport (Google says 2hrs 17mins to the big car park in Whistler).

 

With your times above, you'd be able to spend over 5 hours in Whistler. As to whether that's enough time for you to do what you want to... I don't know what you want to do;)

 

Personally, unless you've already been to Vancouver, I would not take a day trip anywhere unless you have a huge desire to see something very specific - it's a scenic drive up to Whistler, but it's still at least 5 hours gone from your day doing nothing but picking up/returning the car and driving.

[martincath]

Thank you I didn't realize there are 2 HOHO's, the Trolley and the Bus. The Trolly doesn't go to Grouse Mtn., at least I don't think they do. The cost for the bus for 2 days is $40 for seniors and the add on for Grouse Mtn. is $79. I am not sure if it also sts at the Capillano Bridge also, it doesn't say online. But it sounds like it uses public transportation. Here is what they say:

Grouse Mountain is the perfect place to plan a day-date with Big Bus. Simply hop off at stop #2 downtown, catch the SeaBus to the North Shore and take the #236 right to the hill.

 

What do you think just get the 2 day pass on either the trolley or bus or the add on of Grouse Mtn.?

 

 

Linda

While I personally would be more inclined to do as SB suggests (daypass and a good guidebook is pretty much my default plan in any new city), I'll assume that you considered transit and would rather take HOHO for whatever reason.

 

First - you're correct that Trolley doesn't go to Grouse, but neither does Big Bus. In fact, Big Bus doesn't even go to Capilano Bridge whereas the Trolley does. Cap bridge is on the road to Grouse - you can very easily find the public transit bus (which is what the #236 in your cut & paste above refers to).

 

Trolley lump together both the bridge and Grouse as 'North Shore Attractions' and the price includes entry tickets to both (normally $35.95 & $27.95 for Seniors), but also a free shuttle of their own to the bridge. You would need to pay for transit tickets between bridge & Grouse (or get a cab, hitch a ride from passing strangers, etc.)

 

Big Bus sell you bridge or Grouse as separate add-ons plus you need to take transit from downtown rather than just between the bridge and Grouse.

 

Both companies *include* the entry tickets to the stated attractions in the price quoted, they are not 'add on' prices to the HOHO fare (your wording above seems to indicate you think you're paying $40 and $79 each - actually it's $74 on Big Bus for Grouse + HOHO, $68 for Cap Bridge + HOHO, or $107.75 for both + HOHO with Trolley).

 

I've never done Big Bus so cannot comment on quality of commentary etc., but did do Trolley when my parents came to visit last year - enjoyed it, and the extra stops in Stanley Park combined with it costing a few bucks less make it seem better value IMO. Especially considering that they will actually shuttle you to the bridge, from where it's nigh-impossible to screw up taking transit to Grouse! Taking Seabus isn't difficult, but there are several buses that connect at various stops around the pier on the north shore - something else you need to worry about!

 

As to what is best for you - assuming you would already be doing a HOHO, then simply add up the prices of entry tickets to the attraction(s) you want to see. If it's cheaper as a package, buy the package. If it's not cheaper, get the basic HOHO, buy tickets separately for the attractions.

[Urban trekker]

While you can do the drive to Whistler in a little over two hours from downtown Vancouver there are so many attractions and sights along the way that you might want to stop at - Shannon Falls, Porteau Cove, Brittania Mine, Squamish Chief and Garibaldi lookout, Tantalus viewpoint, Alice Lake, Brandywine Falls to name just a few you might never make it to Whistler - this is especially true if it is nice sunny day - it is one of most beautiful drives anywhere when the weather is great.

 

Just my thoughts

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[dallascruiser]

Thank you guys again. You all are the best ambassadors for Vancouver!

 

I am taking your advice. Since I have a limited time frame. I will be doing the Trolley around town and into Stanley Park and then do the Seabus and regular bus to Grouse Mtn and Cap Bridge.

 

Thanks again. I only wish you all could help me with my cruise ports in New Zealand and Australia. I'm struggling with tours for there.

 

Linda (if you ever come to Dallas I can help you out here).

Edited February 29, 2012 by dallascruiser

[LeftcoastBC]

Thank you guys again. You all are the best ambassadors for Vancouver!

 

I am taking your advice. Since I have a limited time frame. I will be doing the Trolley around town and into Stanley Park and then do the Seabus and regular bus to Grouse Mtn and Cap Bridge.

 

Thanks again. I only wish you all could help me with my cruise ports in New Zealand and Australia. I'm struggling with tours for there.

Linda (if you ever come to Dallas I can help you out here).

 

Checkout these :)

http://www.thepreismans.com/ and http://web.mac.com/jimbellomo/Down_Under/Home.html

[Urban trekker]

Just a heads up to the Vancouverites posting on here - the White Spot at Georgia and Seymour has now closed for the redevelopment of the Telus site.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[dallascruiser]

Hello Guys, I have another question for you. You have talked me into getting public transportation instead of doing the trolley. My first day in Vancouver I will get to the hotel about 3 and I am planning on going to Granville Island for a late lunch and to just walk around. Then on our second day we plan on going to Grouse Mtn. And Cap Bridge then probably go to China Town for supper. To get a full day transportation pass, I understand I can't get it from the driver but from maybe a convenience store. My question is where can I buy the full day tickets. I am staying at the downtown Best Western Plus on Drake. Thanks alot you all!

 

Linda

[Urban trekker]

You should be able to buy one across the street at the 7 -11 and if not there at the Shopper's Drug Mart a block away.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[dallascruiser]

You should be able to buy one across the street at the 7 -11 and if not there at the Shopper's Drug Mart a block away.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

 

Thanks Dennis😃😃😃

 

 

Linda

[kenmii]

Hi There

We will be arriving from a cruise and plan to stay for the day and depart on an evening flight. What are your recommendations for a city tour? The trolley or a city highlight tour, or any other?

 

Should we not bother and come back on another trip to spend more time? We will need suggestions on what to do with our luggage and how to get from the port to where we would board the tour.

 

Thanks!

[seabreeze0389]

Hi There

We will be arriving from a cruise and plan to stay for the day and depart on an evening flight. What are your recommendations for a city tour? The trolley or a city highlight tour, or any other?

 

Should we not bother and come back on another trip to spend more time? We will need suggestions on what to do with our luggage and how to get from the port to where we would board the tour.

 

Thanks!

[b

 

This is what we have been given by friends that fly in/out of YVR for cruises.

 

Vancouver International Airport[/b]. CDS Baggage Storage (Tel 604-303-4519) at . The cost is between C$3 and C$6 per bag.

Canada Place cruise terminal: Short-term luggage storage is available. CDS Baggage provides storage services. Tel: 604-303-4500. (Hours of operation – 8:00am – 4:00pm on cruise ship days).

Edited March 13, 2012 by seabreeze0389

[Putterdude]

Seabreeze has given you some good advice re luggage however the name has been changed to Priority Luggage and they will transfer your luggage to YVR for a fee. You could also use the ships luggage transfer or take your luggage to a nearby hotel and give the bell captain a tip to put your luggage in their lock up for the day.

You may find your time in Vancouver more limited then you think as you likely won't be off the ship and thru customs until after 9 am and when you go to YVR it is a full 35 mins from downtown and you should be out there 2 full hours before flight time to clear security and US customs. So with that in mind you will have to watch your time. There are some HOHOs and tours that I will list below. If there are a couple of specific things that you wish to do you could take transit.

http://www.prioritybaggage.ca/

www.vancouvertrolley.com/

http://www.bigbus.ca/

http://www.vancouverpinkbustours.com/

http://www.vancouvertours.com/

www.westcoastsightseeing.ca/

[seabreeze0389]

Seabreeze has given you some good advice re luggage however the name has been changed to Priority Luggage and they will transfer your luggage to YVR for a fee. You could also use the ships luggage transfer or take your luggage to a nearby hotel and give the bell captain a tip to put your luggage in their lock up for the day.

 

You may find your time in Vancouver more limited then you think as you likely won't be off the ship and thru customs until after 9 am and when you go to YVR it is a full 35 mins from downtown and you should be out there 2 full hours before flight time to clear security and US customs. So with that in mind you will have to watch your time. There are some HOHOs and tours that I will list below. If there are a couple of specific things that you wish to do you could take transit.

 

http://www.prioritybaggage.ca/

www.vancouvertrolley.com/

http://www.bigbus.ca/

http://www.vancouverpinkbustours.com/

 

http://www.vancouvertours.com/

 

www.westcoastsightseeing.ca/

 

Thanks for the update Putterdude. We will need this for this June.

[kenmii]

Seabreeze has given you some good advice re luggage however the name has been changed to Priority Luggage and they will transfer your luggage to YVR for a fee. You could also use the ships luggage transfer or take your luggage to a nearby hotel and give the bell captain a tip to put your luggage in their lock up for the day.

You may find your time in Vancouver more limited then you think as you likely won't be off the ship and thru customs until after 9 am and when you go to YVR it is a full 35 mins from downtown and you should be out there 2 full hours before flight time to clear security and US customs. So with that in mind you will have to watch your time. There are some HOHOs and tours that I will list below. If there are a couple of specific things that you wish to do you could take transit.

http://www.prioritybaggage.ca/

www.vancouvertrolley.com/

http://www.bigbus.ca/

http://www.vancouverpinkbustours.com/

http://www.vancouvertours.com/

www.westcoastsightseeing.ca/

 

thanks.. I'll see if we can fit this city tour in with a late flight!

[scottbee]

Hello Guys, I have another question for you. You have talked me into getting public transportation instead of doing the trolley. My first day in Vancouver I will get to the hotel about 3 and I am planning on going to Granville Island for a late lunch and to just walk around. Then on our second day we plan on going to Grouse Mtn. And Cap Bridge then probably go to China Town for supper. To get a full day transportation pass, I understand I can't get it from the driver but from maybe a convenience store. My question is where can I buy the full day tickets. I am staying at the downtown Best Western Plus on Drake. Thanks alot you all!

 

Linda

 

if you're coming from the airport (and going to take Skytrain) on the day you arrive, you can buy the day passes at the 7-11 inside the airport. That would be my recommendation.

[no fuss travel]

Also if you buy the Day Pass, you will avoid the $5 luggage fee from the airport to Vancouver.

[Urban trekker]

Please don't call it a luggage fee because as I stated in another post that is not what it is - it is a surcharge imposed by the Airport Authority to recover their $400 million investment in taking the Canada line to the Airport - Translink wasn't planning on taking it to the Airport because the cost didn't justify the return but the Airport Authority convince them to build the spur to the Airport in exchange for paying for the extension and the Airport Authority which is an independent body is using the surcharge to recover their investment.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[dallascruiser]

Thanks again so much I didn't think there was anywhere in the airport to purchase tickets😃😃

 

Linda

[Putterdude]

In addition to the 7-11, they can also be purchased at the Pharmasave store, both are located in the domestic portion of the terminal on level 1, the Departures level.

[kenmii]

Hi There-

We will only be in Vancouver for the day. It looks like the tour we can take will take us to Lookout Tower or Capilano Suspension Bridge. Any suggestions if I have to choose? The one to Lookout Tower has a better time frame - starts early and ends early. I'll have two children - 8 and 11. We may be doing the Yukon suspension bridge. So perhaps we can do the Lookout Tower or Capilano Suspension Bridge the next time we visit Vancouver? Wish we could do it all, but the kiddies are already missing a week of school.

Thanks!

[Putterdude]

I would be useful to know what the name of the tours are or who the tour operator is. What I can tell you is that the Vancouver Lookout is about 4 blocks from Canada Place, you could walk to it and save having to pay for a tour. I also think that your children would much prefer the trip to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, there is much more for young people to see and do.....and they offer a free shuttle bus back and forth from Canada Place. In either case you would have to check your luggage but there is a commercial luggage check at Canada Place.

 

http://www.capbridge.com/

 

http://www.prioritybaggage.ca/services-cruiseterminalbaggagestorageservice

[no fuss travel]

Capilano Suspension Bridge would be more enjoyable for your children as stated before. They have totem poles there as well.

[nails62040]

My husband will be arriving on a Saturday afternoon via the amtrak cascades and after checking in at our hotel, we are thinking about heading over to Granville Island (will be in September) or maybe seeing Gaslamp District. Any suggestions which itinerary would be the best? Wherever we end up we will probably stay in the area for dinne. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

Thanks!